FOOTBALL RUMOURS: Manchester United players revolt against manager, race on to sign Isco, no Liverpool return for Gerrard

Sports Reporter

Louis van Gaal has reportedly been confronted by a delegation of senior Manchester United stars ‘over his stifling training methods’. United have endured a stuttering start to the campaign and, according to The Times, players feel a lack of ‘creativity and flexibility’ in training is hampering their performances. (The Times).

Arsenal and Manchester City are ready to battle it out to sign Isco from Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain. The Spain midfielder, 23, was the subject of interest in the summer but stayed after Rafa Benitez replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout. Isco started Madrid’s opening game of the season, a 0-0 draw with Sporting Gijon, before dropping to the bench for the 5-0 win over Real Betis. (Daily Express).

Manchester United spent only £6.5m to bring Germany World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger to Old Trafford this summer, according to a statement released by the midfielder’s first club TSV 1860 Rosenheim. (Sky Sports).

Liverpool will not be re-signing midfielder Steven Gerrard, 35, on loan from LA Galaxy in January, according to Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber. (Telegraph).

Louis van Gaal has admitted that the projected £58.8 million fee paid by Manchester United for Anthony Martial was “ridiculous”, but claimed that the teenage France striker had been signed with the club’s next manager firmly in mind. (The Times).

Sky sources understand Derby have contacted Manchester United about the possibility of taking James Wilson on loan. However, the Rams are likely to face competition from more than a dozen other clubs, who are also keen on the striker. (Sky Sports).

The number of overseas fans visiting Britain to watch top-flight football rose to 800,000 in 2014 and brought in almost £700m, according to research. Most fans came from the Republic of Ireland (121,000), with Norway (93,000), Sweden (58,000) and the United States (53,000) next. Old Trafford and Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium were the most popular venues, both receiving 109,000 visits each. (BBC Sport).

The Football Association is understood to have opened the door to Chelsea and Tottenham to make the short-term move to Wembley Stadium while they increase their respective home capacities. Both London clubs are considering options for temporary relocation while work is carried out on their respective grounds. Chelsea hope to expand Stamford Bridge to 60,000 seats while Tottenham have started work on their new 61,000 stadium that will also host NFL matches. (Evening Standard).